Armed Gangs Kill at Least 7 in Carrefour, Haiti Amid Police Station Siege

On April 18, 2024, heavily armed gangs launched a brutal attack on the Waney 93 and Carrefour neighborhoods in Orphy commune, Haiti, killing at least seven people and injuring several others. The assailants targeted both law enforcement and civilians, with a deadly shootout erupting during a domino game that left innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

The attack also led to the besiegement of the Oméga police station, preventing law enforcement from responding to the violence. The National Union of Haitian Police Officers issued a distress signal due to the critical situation, with several police officers and citizens kidnapped by the criminals. Lionel Lazare, the union's spokesperson, demanded rapid police intervention to neutralize the threat posed by the armed gangs, which have taken control of various locations in the region.

Why this matters: The escalating gang violence in Haiti has paralyzed daily life for many communities and underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as calls grow for action to restore peace and stability in the country.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as residents desperately sought shelter during the exchange of gunfire. The local community is in shock, mourning the tragic loss of its members and supporting the injured in their recovery. The situation remains tense in several neighborhoods of the Carrefour commune, with a series of looting incidents reported the previous night in the Bas de Delmas area, leaving a landscape of desolation.

The terror inflicted by these armed gangs, led by the notorious gang leader Krisla, has authorities seemingly powerless to stop the escalating violence. An state of emergency has been declared in Carrefour as the anxious population awaits a swift response from the authorities to counter this wave of violence that has shaken their community. "This shooting serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security issues faced by many communities and underscores the importance of strengthening preventive and repressive measures to ensure the safety of all," said Lionel Lazare, spokesperson for the National Union of Haitian Police Officers.

Key Takeaways

• Armed gangs attacked Waney 93 and Carrefour neighborhoods in Haiti, killing 7 and injuring others.
• Assailants targeted law enforcement and civilians, leading to a police station siege and officer kidnappings.
• Escalating gang violence has paralyzed daily life, prompting calls for stronger security measures.
• Looting incidents left a landscape of desolation, as authorities struggle to counter the violence.
• A state of emergency has been declared in Carrefour as the community awaits a response from authorities.